CABVI Seeks Public Support to Match $500,000 Community Foundation Challenge Grant

The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) has been awarded a $500,000 challenge grant from The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties in support of CABVI’s new state-of-the-art vision rehabilitation center under construction in Utica.

Up to its $500,000 commitment, The Community Foundation will match all gifts dollar-for-dollar made in support of the project by December 31, 2018, enabling CABVI to double the grant. The Community Foundation previously supported the project with $300,000 in grants for property acquisition and initial construction.

“Central New York is an extremely generous community,” said Rudy D’Amico, president and CEO of CABVI. “Every dollar our community gives will be go twice as far thanks to the challenge. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a huge impact in the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired.”

The $500,000 award is the largest challenge grant in Community Foundation history, demonstrating its commitment to the transformational nature of CABVI’s Focus on the Future Initiative and its three major components:

Construction of a 23,000-square-foot vision and wellness center in Utica

Renovations to CABVI’s headquarters in Utica

Purchase and renovation of a building for CABVI Syracuse Industries in DeWitt

“CABVI continues to advance opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired in innovative ways that also promote economic development and neighborhood revitalization,” said Alicia Dicks, president and CEO of The Community Foundation. “Through the challenge grant, we hope to inspire community members to support the mission and vision of this great organization and the work they are doing to transform our community.”

Visit www.cabvi.org to learn more about the Focus on the Future Initiative and to make a gift that will be doubled through the challenge grant.